Signs Choosing a Size Most signs are available in a variety of sizes, including MUTCD standards and Hall “special spec” sizes that are not featured in the MUTCD. A STOP sign, for example, is available in five different sizes! Not sure what size you need? As a rule of thumb, bigger is better for traffic signs because larger signs are easier to read. Drivers often only have a few moments to process a sign’s message before they need to act upon it, and response time only decreases as the speed on the road increases. Still not sure? The MUTCD includes detailed tables that list the recommended sign size for a variety of situations, including conventional roads, multi-lane roads, lowvolume roads, freeways and expressways.
Reflectivity 101: Know Your Retro Traffic sign visibility is most critical at night. In order to appear bright to drivers at night, signs need to have retroreflective surfaces so that the light striking them from vehicle headlights is reflected back to a driver’s eyes. Per the 2009 MUTCD all traffic signs, whether on public or private property, must be retroreflective. To make signs reflective, traffic sign manufacturers use specially designed materials that feature a base layer of white or colored vinyl topped with miniature glass beads or uniform micorprismatic lenses and sealed with a smooth outer coating that allows for printing with translucent inks.
The drawings above illustrate the effects of Phantom Points on three common sign shapes: square, triangle and pennant. While there is little to no change in the finished dimensions of a square sign, Phantom Points do affect the finished sizes of triangle and pennant shape signs. For example, a 30” Yield (R1-2) sign measures 30” on all three sides before the radius is cut, but after the radius has been applied the sides will measure smaller than 30”. We recommend taking this industry-standard measuring method into account when ordering replacement signs based on data taken in the field, as the actual measurements may not add up to the correct size sign.
Date Stickers Date Stickers are an easy way to keep track of sign installation dates and replacement schedules for agencies using the “Expected Sign Life” method of maintaining minimum reflectivity levels. See page 53 for more on our customizable Date Stickers and page 64 to learn about reflectivity maintenance options.
We do not recommend using sign faces to “upgrade” or “replace” existing signs with new faces as this practice automatically voids any and all manufacturer guarantees on the material.
Other Options What else do we need to know? Here are a few things to consider when ordering.
Border Detail Hall Signs offers custom border detail on signs manufactured to order. We can print your custom text – typically a manufacture date or agency name – inside or outside the border, depending on the sign setup.
Phantom Points Traffic signs use an industry standard measuring method that measures the size of the sign before the radius corner cuts are made. This is shown on a spec drawing where the original dimensions are marked with dotted lines extending out beyond the radius corner. The invisible points created at the intersection of these lines are called Phantom Points.
Tip: “Replacement” Sign Faces
Overlay Film High Intensity Prismatic and Diamond Grade™ DG3 are next-generation reflective materials that utilitize microprismatic lenses instead of glass beads.
Hall Signs stocks reflective materials from a variety of manufacturers; the three most common materials we carry are Engineer Grade, High Intensity Prismatic, and Diamond Grade™ DG3. To learn more about the types of reflective we carry and their properties, check out our Reflective Sheeting Guide on pages 64-65. Additionally, most traffic signs must meet a minimum maintained level of reflectivity on par with that of High Intensity Prismatic or Diamond Grade™ DG3 reflective. The reflectivity of parking signs and other noncritical, non-road signage is not regulated by the MUTCD.
Finished Signs or Sign Faces Hall Signs offers every sign in our catalog as both a finished, ready-to-install sign with an aluminum substrate backing, or as a sign “face” or decal to be applied to the substrate of choice at your shop. Finished signs are manufactured with a durable alodized aluminum substrate backing. Our aluminum is available in a variety of gauges (thicknesses) and alloys (mixtures). The most common combination for traffic signs is .080” gauge, 3105 alloy; Hall Signs also carries 5052 alloy to meet most DOT specifications. Learn more about our aluminum on page 54. Our sign faces have the same traffic grade reflective vinyl “face” as our traffic signs, but with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing for application to aluminum substrates.
Installing signs in areas that are prone to vandalism? Consider adding protective overlay film to your signs. This solventresistant, transparent material is applied to signs after printing and makes it possible to remove graffiti and other marks without damaging the print. Overlay film can also help prolong the life of signs that receive extended sun exposure, although this benefit is only provided by select materials and its effectiveness varies based on the ink colors used and the environmental conditions at the installation site.
Hole Punches Our signs are pre-punched with radius corners and mounting holes for easy installation. Most signs are punched for a “single post” installation with two holes on center, one each at the top and bottom. Larger signs are punched for a “two post” installation with four holes, two each at the top and bottom, set in from the sides. Each sign shape and size has its own standard punch pattern. We can accommodate custom punch patterns on request.
FAQ: Hole Punches in Reflective Sheeting Did you know that it’s an industrystandard practice not to remove the reflective sheeting covering installation holes prior to shipment? We recommend either punching straight through the material when bolting new signs to posts or carefully cut away the excess material with a utility knife for a neater edge.
800 284 7446 tel • 812 332 9816 fax • shop online at store.hallsigns.com
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